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Rep. Hunter Says He Will Not Seek Federal Funding For 'Sanctuaries'

Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill, April 7, 2011.
Associated Press
Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill, April 7, 2011.

Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, took a stand against sanctuary cities and counties Thursday.

He announced he will not submit any federal funding requests on behalf of states, cities, universities or other entities deemed "sanctuaries" for immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

In a statement, Hunter argues sanctuaries undermine the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

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“Sanctuaries that defy federal immigration laws should be held accountable,” Hunter stated. “If a state or local entity prefers to violate the law and not cooperate on federal immigration matters, this should be an immediate disqualifier for federal funding."

Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, released this statement, Feb. 9, 2017.
Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, released this statement, Feb. 9, 2017.

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Hunter also encouraged other members of congress to join him in taking the same approach in their congressional districts for fiscal year 2018.

"The submission of a federal funding request for sanctuaries is irresponsible and rewards disregard for the law—and I can’t support that," he stated.

Hunter submitted a bill that limits funds for sanctuary cities, and it was passed by congress in 2015. He also recently introduced another bill, No Funding for Sanctuary Campuses Act, which denies Title IV funding to sanctuary campuses.

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